Which of the above-mentioned factors are responsible for the loss of biodiversity?

(A) 1 and 3 only

(B) 2 only

(C) 1, 3 and 4

(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

It is an integral part of Loktak lake and also the only floating National Park in the world

The animal species conserved here is the endangered Brow-antlered deer or Sangai

The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called phumdis

Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3

(D) 1, 2 and 3

15. Consider the following statements with regards to Indian Biodiversity:

India is composed of two realms, one is Himalayan region and other sub-continent regions

India has 5 different biomes including Coniferous and Alpine meadows Biomes

Further, Indian Biodiversity is classified into 10 Bio-geographic zones and 25 Bio-geographic provinces

Which of the above-mentioned statements is/are correct?

(A) 1, 2 and 3

(B) 1 only

(C) 1 and 3

(D) 3 only

16. Consider the following:

Continental drifting

Hunting

Climate change

Invasion of new species

Which of the above mentioned are the reasons for Species extinction?

(A) 1 and 4 only

(B) 1, 3 and 4

(C) 2, 3 and 4

(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

17. Consider the statements given:

Assertion: In India, the majority of seagrass are found in Southeast coast and lagoons of Lakshadweep

Reason: It grows abundantly in water with high salinity and clear surface

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(B) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

(C) A is true but R is false.

(D) A is false but R is true.

18. What are the major reasons for Birds migration?

To overcome adverse climatic conditions

To manage food and water shortage

For breeding

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2 and 3

19. Consider the following statement regarding Olive Ridley turtles:

It is primarily found in cold Atlantic and Arctic oceans

Under IUCN, it is listed under critically endangered species

Which of the above-mentioned statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(C) Both 1 and 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

20. Consider the following:

Fishes

Amphibians

Reptiles

Aves

Which of the above mentioned are cold-blooded animals?

(A) 1, 2 and 3

(B) 2, 3 and 4

(C) 1, 2 and 4

(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

ANSWERS

1.C

In-situ conservation, the conservation of species in their natural habitats, is considered the most appropriate way of conserving biodiversity. Conserving the areas where populations of species exist naturally is an underlying condition for the conservation of biodiversity. That’s why protected areas form a central element of any national strategy to conserve biodiversity.

2. A

No grazing of any [livestock13] shall be permitted in a National Park.

5. D

Kaziranga – Rhino, Ranthambhore – Tiger, Periyar – Elephant

6. D

7. D

8. D

9. A

Climate “forcing’s” are factors in the climate system that either increase or decrease the effects to the climate system. Positive forcing’s such as excess greenhouse gases warm the earth while negative forcing’s, such as the effects of most aerosols and volcanic eruptions, actually cool the earth.

10. C

The Antarctic stratosphere is much colder. The low temperature enables the formation of Polar stratospheric Clouds (PSCs ), below 20 km Ozone absorbs sunlight, causing the characteristic increase in temperature with increase in altitude) stratosphere. If ozone is being depleted, the air becomes cooler, further adding to the favorable conditions for the formation of PSCs and stabilization of the vortex.

The vortex is a ring of rapidly circulating air that confines the ozone depletion in the Antarctic region. The longevity of the Antarctic vortex is another factor, enhancing favourable conditions for the depletion of ozone.

11. C

12. A

Species diversity decreases as we move towards the poles, because: (i) Temperature decreases and conditions become harsh. (ii) Both the amount and intensity of solar radiation decreases. (iii) Vegetation decreases. (iv) Less resources available to support species. Speciation is generally a function of time and environmental stability, so if conditions are too harsh, it is difficult for the species to survive and adapt. This results in decrease in biodiversity towards the poles.

13. D

14. D

Keibul Lamjao is probably the world’s only ‘floating’ sanctuary that comprises 40 sq. km. of wetland overgrown with 1.5 m. deep floating vegetation (called phumdi). The fauna in the park is also rare and unique. The area is home to the endangered brow-antlered deer or sangai.

16. D

Natural causes: continent drifting, climate change, tectonic activity and increased volcanic activity. The late Ordovician global glaciations (439,, Mya). The late Cretaceous extinction assumed to be associated with an extra-terrestrial impact. Artificial Extinction: direct causes – such as hunting, collection or capture and persecution Indirect causes – such as habitat loss, modification and fragmentation and the introduction of invasive species

17. A

18. D

19. D

The olive ridley sea turtle also known as Lepidochelys olivacea, or the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a medium-sized sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can also be found in warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the olive ridley turtle is classified as Vulnerable. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES.